Sawan Begins Today: 11 Days Earlier Than Last Year – A Sacred Time for Devotion and Festivals

The holy month of Sawan (Shravan), dedicated to Lord Shiva, begins today, arriving 11 days earlier than it did last year. This shift in timing is due to the lunar calendar and marks the start of one of the most spiritually significant months in the Hindu tradition.

Why is Sawan Important?

Sawan is considered an extremely auspicious month in Hinduism, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The Mondays of this month, known as Shravan Somvar, are especially revered. Devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and visit temples to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for health, peace, and prosperity.

It is believed that during this time, the divine energies are most receptive to sincere prayers, and performing jalabhishek (offering water and milk) on Shiva Lingam is of great spiritual merit.

Key Dates of Sawan 2025

• Sawan Starts: July 11, 2025 (Friday)
• First Shravan Somvar: July 14, 2025
• Sawan Ends: August 8, 2025

Major Festivals in Sawan

After 15 days of devotion and fasting, the festive mood returns with some vibrant celebrations:

• Hariyali Teej – Celebrated on July 26, 2025, it marks marital bliss and the beauty of the monsoon season. Women wear green attire, apply mehendi, and swing on beautifully decorated swings.
• Raksha Bandhan – This festival of sibling bond falls on August 9, 2025, just after Sawan ends.

Spiritual Practices in Sawan

• Fasting on Mondays (Shravan Somvar)
• Chanting of Maha Mrityunjaya and Om Namah Shivaya
• Offering bael leaves, milk, curd, honey, and water to Lord Shiva
• Avoiding non-vegetarian food and intoxicants
• Wearing Rudraksha beads and white/light clothing

Sawan’s Early Arrival in 2025

According to Hindu Panchang, the Sawan month has started 11 days earlier than in 2024. This early arrival is a result of the lunar cycle variations, which influence the start of Hindu months.